Bachelor of Applied Sciences? Bachelor of Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between a Bachelor of Applied Sciences and a Bachelor of Engineering, particularly in the context of Canadian universities. Participants explore the distinctions in coursework, university offerings, and implications for future employment and academic pursuits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the differences between the two degrees, specifically regarding the classes required for each and the reasons some universities offer one degree over the other.
  • Another participant notes that in Canada, engineering programs typically offer either a Bachelor of Applied Sciences or a Bachelor of Engineering, suggesting that the two degrees are effectively equivalent in content.
  • There is mention of differing structures at the Master's level, where some universities offer a Master of Applied Sciences (MASc) that is more research-focused, while a Master of Engineering (MEng) is more project-oriented.
  • Participants confirm that at the undergraduate level, there appears to be no significant difference between the two degrees, as both can lead to becoming a Professional Engineer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that at the undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Applied Sciences and Bachelor of Engineering are effectively the same in Canada, though there is some uncertainty about the offerings at different universities.

Contextual Notes

The discussion is limited to Canadian universities, and the equivalence of the degrees may not hold in other regions or contexts. There is also an indication that the differences may become more pronounced at the Master's level, but this remains unresolved.

TheAbsoluTurk
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What are the differences, if there are any, between these degrees?

By differences what I mean is what classes are different in obtaining one from the other? Why do some universities give one and not the other? What possible drawbacks are there between each degree in terms of future employment and academic endeavours?
 
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The answer to this question really depends on where you are studying. I live in Canada, and in Canadian universities the engineering programs typically offer either a Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree or a Bachelor of Engineering degree (not both). Therefore, the two degrees are for all intents and purposes completely equivalent, and there is no difference in the content of the degree programs.

The situation can differ, however, for Masters degrees. In some universities a Master of Applied Sciences (MASc) degree is offered that is more research-intensive and is intended to prepare the student for further graduate studies, whereas a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree is more project-based and intended for those seeking a professional Masters program. In other universities, both research-based and project-based degrees are called either MAsc or MEng, but there is an additional designation indicating the type of Masters.
 
Yes, I live in Canada; I should've specified.

UBC only has an applied sciences bachelor degree but U Alberta has engineering bachelor degree. I haven't looked at other universities but, going by what you said, they either have one or the other most of the time then?

So there's no difference at the undergraduate level?
 
TheAbsoluTurk said:
Yes, I live in Canada; I should've specified.

UBC only has an applied sciences bachelor degree but U Alberta has engineering bachelor degree. I haven't looked at other universities but, going by what you said, they either have one or the other most of the time then?

So there's no difference at the undergraduate level?

Yeah, they are effectively the same thing. They both will count towards becoming a Professional Engineer equally. I believe Queens also has a faculty of applied sciences, rather than engineering.
 

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